COMPANY

Our Team

FireSwarm is built by a team of engineers, operators, and industry leaders with deep experience across aviation, wildfire response, and advanced technology.

United by a shared mission, we are focused on developing systems that solve real-world challenges and support those working on the front lines.

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    Alex Deslauriers

    Founder / CEO

    Alex brings 25 years of Solution Architecture in the Airline, Aerospace and Defense sectors, specializing in solving complex Aviation ERP implementation problems. As an aerospace engineer, certified airline rated pilot, and dedicated Search & Rescue volunteer, Alex brings a passion for innovation at the convergence of aeronautics and emergency management.

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    David Thanh

    Founder / COO

    David has over 20 years of leadership in the areas of healthcare, wildfire management, and international emergency response. He’s led a UN team in Ukraine, aided the World Health Organization's logistics, and has served the BC Wildfire Service going on 10 years as Fire Warden, focusing on prevention, response, and UAV programs.

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  • A middle-aged woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing black-framed glasses, a black blazer, and a gold necklace, smiling at camera with a blurred neutral background.

    Melanie Bitner

    Founder / CMO

    With 25+ years across diverse industries, Melanie is highly skilled in corporate communications, relationship building, brand strategy and marketing. Committed to projects benefiting people and the planet, she combines strategic thinking with practical execution to align with business goals.

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    Russ Halliday

    Head of Product

    Russ has over 30 years of professional software experience in both Product Management and Engineering, with particular focus in the aerospace and field service sectors. Having brought dozens of innovative products and services to those markets, Russ brings particular expertise in product lifecycle management and technology innovation.

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    Katherine (Katie) Baer

    Operations Coordinator

    Katie loves driving change in our world through business. Over 8 years experience in operations, growing businesses and teams in a variety of industries including sport, health & wellness, construction, farming & food, and technology.

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    Jacob Lagercrantz

    Director, Technical Solutions

    Search and rescue drone operator, specialist in IT infrastructure, communications protocols between field operators, and command and control piloting stations. Experience building and programming drones. CAD modeling and 3D print rapid prototyping.

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    Chris Gillen

    Head of Business Development + Cyber Security

    Chris Gillen brings over two decades of project management and executive leadership experience in Information Technology. Recognized as the recipient of the inaugural 'Top 20 under 40' award in 2012, Chris has since expanded his expertise into business development, including economic development initiatives with First Nations. His dedication extends to mentoring a diverse array of individuals across Canada through the Prince's Trust, demonstrating his commitment to supporting veterans and fostering talent nationwide.

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    Lois Connor

    Special Projects, Grant Writer

    Lois has over 15 years of experience in project development and fundraising. She has worked on a wide variety of projects including manufacturing process improvements and robotics system development. With a passion for aviation, Lois is committed to driving innovation and efficiency in all aspects of her work.

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  • Christina Pattison

    Christina Pattison

    Program Management

    Christina is a skilled Program Manager and ERP Business Solutions Consultant with over 20 years of experience across various industries such as aerospace, asset management, supply chain, and MRO, finance and CRM.

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  • A smiling middle-aged man with a bald head, gray beard, and blue eyes wearing a white collared shirt against a neutral background.

    Brad Robeson

    Chief of Staff

    30 years of experience in the commercial and defense aerospace systems implementation sector. Expert negotiator.

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    Juliet Jones

    Fractional CFO

    Juliet brings 30 years of executive experience in the technology industry, spanning strategic planning and execution from startup to exit. As CFO, she has taken multiple companies public on the TSX Venture Exchange, raised over $100 million in debt and equity, and increased market capitalization of one tech company to over $350 million.

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  • A middle-aged man with a bald head, wearing glasses, a light blue collared shirt, and a navy blazer, smiling at the camera.

    Paul Buxton-Carr

    Head of Wildfire Operations  

    Paul has more than 35 years of aerial wildfire suppression experience throughout North America within government and as the owner of a wildland fire services company. Paul fills an air operations role on an Emergency Response Unit for the Swiss Red Cross, holds a Commercial Pilot Licence, and is excited to enable new technology to help meet today’s increasing wildland fire challenges.

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    Mary Granskou

    Head of External Relations

    With 30+ years in senior roles in the sustainability field, Mary is a proven strategist and

    partnership builder. Her deep experience spans Indigenous and Crown governments, conservation NGOs, the resource sector, Cleantech start-ups and more. She helps bring diverse partners together to drive innovation and community resilience in today’s complex world.

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    Dustin Wales

    Transport Canada Liaison

    Dustin is our key author and relation manager with Transport Canada, with 20 years experience as an advanced UAV pilot, instructor. Dustin has deep ties within Transport Canada as he continues to push the envelope of RPAS (UAV) Regulatory framework.

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    Stacey Tucker

    Operations Coordinator

    Stacey is an operations professional known for bringing structure, clarity, and positive energy to every team she works with. With a background in leadership and communications, she keeps day-to-day operations running smoothly while building strong, collaborative relationships along the way.

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    Agatha (Agi) Zachara

    Controller

    Agi is a CPA, CA with 15+ years across audit, financial leadership, and compliance. She brings deep experience in project-based accounting, SR&ED claims, and government grant compliance from R&D and manufacturing environments. 

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  • A young man with dark, wavy hair and light facial hair, wearing a dark navy, pinstriped dress shirt, smiling against a neutral background.

    Grant Chenier

    Drone Engineer 

    Grant brings several years of experience as a wildfire researcher and UAV prototype developer. He has accumulated hundreds of hours operating UAVs on active wildfires, gathering infrared imagery and smoke composition measurements. Grant also brings firsthand fireline experience as a former wildland firefighter. With a background in sensor technology and software development, he is driven to develop and apply emerging tools to aid responders in challenging operational environments.

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